Those of you who have known me for just a short time know that my involvement in IRON MEN accountability groups has been an essential part of my life for over 25 years now. It's based upon some very simple principles: 1) mutual accountability 2) transparancy 3) confidentiality
I'd like to throw out a 3 month challenge for those of you who would like to be somewhat accountable for getting into God's Word on a daily basis. The plan is simply this: Starting January 1, 2013 read Proverbs 1. That's it. Jan. 2 read Proverbs 2. Jan. 3 read Proverbs 3 and continue on for the entire month and start again. 3 months and 3 times through one of the greatest (if not the greatest) sources of God's wisdom ...period.
For those of you who would really like to launch out into the deep water with God ...get a little notebook and write the following acrostic down the page:
S
O
A
P
Let's say I was reading the first proverb (Scripture)
S: Proverbs 1
Then, as I read and thought about what I was reading ... and asking God to speak, I might write an Observation:
O: Verses 1-7 shows that wisdom and knowledge from God in not something anyone is born with. All wisdom and knowledge from God is available to us but we must desire it and seek it. God gladly provides us with wisdom and knowledge but all people find it the same way ...by trusting God's Word and digging in.
Then, I will write down briefly, or in detail, what I sense how God is leading me to Apply the truth I have observed:
A: I want to arrange my daily schedule to that I may be able to take 15 minutes for my SOAP process when I am not tired and prone to make excuses. I will ask someone (specific name) to hold me accountable for this. When asked, I will be totally honest about my progess.
Then I will write down a Prayer that I have already prayed or will pray about what God has shown me today
P: God, please help me to follow through on this and show me everyday how blessed I am by making this decision. Give me the stength to get up 15 minutes earlier when I will feel like staying in bed. Help me to honor you by not only hearing your word but by also applying it to my life.
I'd love to know who's taking up this adventure with me. If you would like to respond personally, I will be encouraged and maybe can help you be encouraged. My e-mail is:
jmitcham@live.com
Would you like me to help you with accountability in this? Let me know and I'll unexpectedly send out a simple question: Did you read your Proverb today? How about yesterday?
It's not an Iron Man's group but it's something and ladies are just as welcome as men to take this challenge,
IF YOU REALLY WANT TO KNOW ...
Friday, December 28, 2012
Friday, December 14, 2012
WHAT WE HEAR AND WHAT WE PROCLAIM
This is a devotional ... my first one so cut me some slack. I want to share with you a Christmas thought I received during my Iron Man meditation time.
1 John 1:5a This is the message we have heard from Him and proclaim (declare) unto you ..."
My father always had a high cholesterol count in his blood. Consequently he also has high blood pressure. When he discovered he had prostate cancer he went to a "wholistic medicine" doctor. His cholesterol medication was interacting with something else and the "witch doctor" (as we both called him) recommended him getting off his high-powered cholesterol medication and to take a natural herb called red yeast rice. He did this and within one month his choleserol was within the normal range. I'll never forget my father telling me: "Son, if you ever have high cholesterol remember 'red yeast rice'" and he asked me to write it down.
Two years later Griselle's mom had a cholesterol level that was through the roof and her prescription meds were not doing it. I remembered my dad's advice. She started taking the r.y.r and within a month or two her blood work came back normal. A few years later a lady from the church I pastored experienced the same dramatic results. Since coming to Indianola my doctor wanted me to take cholesterol medication as mine was above normal and rising. I asked for a month to adjust my diet (which meant to me r.y.r.). The tests came back and the nurse said, "Whatever you're doing ...keep on doing it"). One of my closest friends ...right here in Indianola ...same dramatic results with the r.y.r. .
Here's what this illustration has taught me about what the apostle John said.
I heard my father say that r.y.r. helped him with his cholesterol. This was about the year 2000. That's when I heard it ...now I have not only heard about r.y.r. but I proclaim it. I declare it. I'm certain about it. It's something I have personally experienced in a dynamic way that has profoundly and positively influenced my life and several others. No one can tell me I don't know what I'm talking about. I'm a believer and a proclaimer of r.y.r.!
The apostle John was getting pretty old but I'm sure he remembered when Jesus first told the disciples that He was God. Can you imagine John's faith and fervor of all those years of experiencing the truth of Jesus' words? How many lives did he see transformed because he lived to witness the truth of what he had first heard? How many miracles? Blessings?
Those of us who know Jesus Christ know what He has done for us ...personally for us and also through us. Can you imagine what would happen if all the church would truly proclaim what we know? What did John proclaim? " ...that God is light and in Him there is no darkness at all."
Our culture, our world, is in desperate need for truth (light) and we who have been Christians for any length of time at all can truly proclaim the truth we have experienced. Sure, there will always be doubters but there will always be those whom Jesus is calling to Himself because of our personal, first-hand witness to His truth and reality in our lives. That's powerful.
1 John 1:5a This is the message we have heard from Him and proclaim (declare) unto you ..."
My father always had a high cholesterol count in his blood. Consequently he also has high blood pressure. When he discovered he had prostate cancer he went to a "wholistic medicine" doctor. His cholesterol medication was interacting with something else and the "witch doctor" (as we both called him) recommended him getting off his high-powered cholesterol medication and to take a natural herb called red yeast rice. He did this and within one month his choleserol was within the normal range. I'll never forget my father telling me: "Son, if you ever have high cholesterol remember 'red yeast rice'" and he asked me to write it down.
Two years later Griselle's mom had a cholesterol level that was through the roof and her prescription meds were not doing it. I remembered my dad's advice. She started taking the r.y.r and within a month or two her blood work came back normal. A few years later a lady from the church I pastored experienced the same dramatic results. Since coming to Indianola my doctor wanted me to take cholesterol medication as mine was above normal and rising. I asked for a month to adjust my diet (which meant to me r.y.r.). The tests came back and the nurse said, "Whatever you're doing ...keep on doing it"). One of my closest friends ...right here in Indianola ...same dramatic results with the r.y.r. .
Here's what this illustration has taught me about what the apostle John said.
I heard my father say that r.y.r. helped him with his cholesterol. This was about the year 2000. That's when I heard it ...now I have not only heard about r.y.r. but I proclaim it. I declare it. I'm certain about it. It's something I have personally experienced in a dynamic way that has profoundly and positively influenced my life and several others. No one can tell me I don't know what I'm talking about. I'm a believer and a proclaimer of r.y.r.!
The apostle John was getting pretty old but I'm sure he remembered when Jesus first told the disciples that He was God. Can you imagine John's faith and fervor of all those years of experiencing the truth of Jesus' words? How many lives did he see transformed because he lived to witness the truth of what he had first heard? How many miracles? Blessings?
Those of us who know Jesus Christ know what He has done for us ...personally for us and also through us. Can you imagine what would happen if all the church would truly proclaim what we know? What did John proclaim? " ...that God is light and in Him there is no darkness at all."
Our culture, our world, is in desperate need for truth (light) and we who have been Christians for any length of time at all can truly proclaim the truth we have experienced. Sure, there will always be doubters but there will always be those whom Jesus is calling to Himself because of our personal, first-hand witness to His truth and reality in our lives. That's powerful.
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Relationships Are Fragile - One Way That Breaks Them
Most of us are dependant people ...whether we would like to admit it or not ...we need certain things to be in place for our sense of well-being and balance. One of these essentials is the need for healthy relationships. I know how much I value relationships and I know how fragile they are.
God knows how important these relationships are and how easily they are broken. Proverbs, the book of wisdom, has much to say about how He feels towards the importance of friendships
The following is a direct quote from a portion of this devotional: .(http://www.eaf.net/pantinghart/2008/taking-up-an-offense/)
Sometimes — oftentimes, it seems — we humans take personally a wrong (real or imagined) done against another. Even though no harm has been done to us, we take personal offense. We may feel insulted, angry, hurt, bitter, and/or who knows what else. We may even enter into a conflict that is not our own at all.
I thought of that when I read verse 30 this morning:
30 Do not accuse a man for no reason —
when he has done you no harm. Proverbs 3:30
I have heard it said ... and have watched it being lived out the saying that goes something like:
An enemy of my friend is an enemy of mine.
I have seen potential relationships that never had a chance to develop because someone has taken up another person's offense. It looks something like this: I share with a close friend how Bill humiliated me in public. This makes my friend angry at Bill (who he hardly knows). Bill is unaware of any of the feelings that are being generated. My friend avoids Bill, even tells others who does not know Bill that Bill is arrogant and coldhearted and repeats the story that how Bill humiliated his close friend (me) in public. The offense grows and now at least 2 others are caught up in an event they did not experience and knows only the "cliff notes" version. Bill feels something is wrong with me and wants to know why I'm acting so distant. I tell him how much he offended me and how humiliated I felt when he said ".............". Bill realizes what he has done and genuinely apologizes to me for his actions. Our relationship, rather quickly, is restored. That's good news. The bad news? These 2 other friends don't like or trust Bill and have no way of a healthy relationship with Bill ...or Bill's wife or Bill's children. Bill and I are good now but my careless words to others have built up a wall that grieves the very heart of God.
What's my take away from all this? I must be carefu: 1) Not to cause someone else to take up my offense 2) Realize that I can take up an issue against someone I don't have the right to
Let me leave you with a scripture that helps me to keep negative issues at bay in my life:
Phil 4:8
Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy — meditate on these things.
NKJV
God knows how important these relationships are and how easily they are broken. Proverbs, the book of wisdom, has much to say about how He feels towards the importance of friendships
The following is a direct quote from a portion of this devotional: .(http://www.eaf.net/pantinghart/2008/taking-up-an-offense/)
Sometimes — oftentimes, it seems — we humans take personally a wrong (real or imagined) done against another. Even though no harm has been done to us, we take personal offense. We may feel insulted, angry, hurt, bitter, and/or who knows what else. We may even enter into a conflict that is not our own at all.
I thought of that when I read verse 30 this morning:
30 Do not accuse a man for no reason —
when he has done you no harm. Proverbs 3:30
I have heard it said ... and have watched it being lived out the saying that goes something like:
An enemy of my friend is an enemy of mine.
I have seen potential relationships that never had a chance to develop because someone has taken up another person's offense. It looks something like this: I share with a close friend how Bill humiliated me in public. This makes my friend angry at Bill (who he hardly knows). Bill is unaware of any of the feelings that are being generated. My friend avoids Bill, even tells others who does not know Bill that Bill is arrogant and coldhearted and repeats the story that how Bill humiliated his close friend (me) in public. The offense grows and now at least 2 others are caught up in an event they did not experience and knows only the "cliff notes" version. Bill feels something is wrong with me and wants to know why I'm acting so distant. I tell him how much he offended me and how humiliated I felt when he said ".............". Bill realizes what he has done and genuinely apologizes to me for his actions. Our relationship, rather quickly, is restored. That's good news. The bad news? These 2 other friends don't like or trust Bill and have no way of a healthy relationship with Bill ...or Bill's wife or Bill's children. Bill and I are good now but my careless words to others have built up a wall that grieves the very heart of God.
What's my take away from all this? I must be carefu: 1) Not to cause someone else to take up my offense 2) Realize that I can take up an issue against someone I don't have the right to
Let me leave you with a scripture that helps me to keep negative issues at bay in my life:
Phil 4:8
Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy — meditate on these things.
NKJV
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
So That's What It Feels Like!
If I heard him say it once ...I heard it 1,000 times: "I feel like I'm going to jump out of my skin" and then he would swallow what he called a "funny pill". That was my Dad. He was a bundle of nerves and I never really understood what he meant until just a few weeks ago. While I was alone and practicing the discipline of "being still" before the Lord, I realized just how much I am like my Dad was. I never realized what it felt like to be totally quiet and still until I determined I really needed to. This was to be a major part of my get-away. It was a directive from God and I meant to do what He asked.
After about 3 days of no TV, no radio, no company, no phone calls and total peace and quiet, I experienced a calmness I had never felt before. I began to understand what Dad meant when he was uptight but ...only as I became "unwound". I guess I have been "uptight" my whole life. It's hard to miss something you've never experienced, therefore I never missed being totally calm and relaxed. Nervous energy was what I called it but really it was deeper than that. I think I had some trust issues with God providing ALL of my needs.
I realized that my constant state of being wound tight has alienated some people because of a sense of unease and nervousness I may have projected. I regret that deeply but I can't undo the past and it certainly will not do anybody any good to live in remorse. Now what? I have made some major commitments and one of them is to slow down and enjoy the moments I have with my network of friends. Life is too short and meaningful times of connections that are lost are truly lost forever.
That's one thing. There are more.
After about 3 days of no TV, no radio, no company, no phone calls and total peace and quiet, I experienced a calmness I had never felt before. I began to understand what Dad meant when he was uptight but ...only as I became "unwound". I guess I have been "uptight" my whole life. It's hard to miss something you've never experienced, therefore I never missed being totally calm and relaxed. Nervous energy was what I called it but really it was deeper than that. I think I had some trust issues with God providing ALL of my needs.
I realized that my constant state of being wound tight has alienated some people because of a sense of unease and nervousness I may have projected. I regret that deeply but I can't undo the past and it certainly will not do anybody any good to live in remorse. Now what? I have made some major commitments and one of them is to slow down and enjoy the moments I have with my network of friends. Life is too short and meaningful times of connections that are lost are truly lost forever.
That's one thing. There are more.
Sunday, November 25, 2012
WE'RE BACK HOME
Griselle and I pulled into Milo at 4 PM today (Sunday). It's really good to be home again.
We drove 1,200 miles in 2 days (I say "we" but Griselle doesn't like to drive ...so she didn't). Griselle is a great co-pilot by handing me my Red Bulls and giving directions. We have always enjoyed long drives together.
I will most likely keep up this blog but I'm contemplating how to approach it. I was so surprised by the number of people looking in on this thing. I'm thankful that you did. Though I was far away I felt a connection with my church family and that was truly a blessing to me.
I had a lot of great times of Christian fellowship with some very close friends from my teenage years and met some great new friends. Griselle and I had an early Thanksgiving with our long-time friends Dwain and Pam Kitchens. Our families went to college, seminary and vacations together for over 25 years. Andrew Kitchens, like our son Johnny, is also a pastor.
God spoke to my heart about a few key aspects of my life. There was some great confirmations and a couple of difficult areas I needed to process. The "alone time" was the most essential need that my Sabbatical season fulfilled. I'm getting more confidence in shutting everything out for longer periods of time as I seek God's quiet but powerful voice.
I have spent many, many hours preparing for our Christmas message series: Christmas With Grace. I wish I could say the inspiration for the series was delivered to me personally by God ...but it was Andy Stanley who put it together. I'm adapting it for us but it is the best Christmas series I have ever heard. I think you, and whomever you might invite to come with you, will be blessed. This is one of the times I'm sensing a great outpouring of God's Christmas grace.
See you all Sunday.
We drove 1,200 miles in 2 days (I say "we" but Griselle doesn't like to drive ...so she didn't). Griselle is a great co-pilot by handing me my Red Bulls and giving directions. We have always enjoyed long drives together.
I will most likely keep up this blog but I'm contemplating how to approach it. I was so surprised by the number of people looking in on this thing. I'm thankful that you did. Though I was far away I felt a connection with my church family and that was truly a blessing to me.
I had a lot of great times of Christian fellowship with some very close friends from my teenage years and met some great new friends. Griselle and I had an early Thanksgiving with our long-time friends Dwain and Pam Kitchens. Our families went to college, seminary and vacations together for over 25 years. Andrew Kitchens, like our son Johnny, is also a pastor.
God spoke to my heart about a few key aspects of my life. There was some great confirmations and a couple of difficult areas I needed to process. The "alone time" was the most essential need that my Sabbatical season fulfilled. I'm getting more confidence in shutting everything out for longer periods of time as I seek God's quiet but powerful voice.
I have spent many, many hours preparing for our Christmas message series: Christmas With Grace. I wish I could say the inspiration for the series was delivered to me personally by God ...but it was Andy Stanley who put it together. I'm adapting it for us but it is the best Christmas series I have ever heard. I think you, and whomever you might invite to come with you, will be blessed. This is one of the times I'm sensing a great outpouring of God's Christmas grace.
See you all Sunday.
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
WISHING ALL OF YOU A BLESSED THANKSGIVING
I'm with my son and his family and my oldest daghter and her family along with my daughter-in-law's parents and brother for Thanksgiving. I'm smoking all the meat and having a ball with my grandchildren.
I have so much to share with you but I've been a little sick with a cold these past two days and I'm ready to go to bed. Griselle and I thank you so much for your prayers and thoughts. This really has been a special time for us.
The Victory With Jesus Sunday was a blast for me and I felt real freedom in sharing. I look forward to seeing these folks again if I have the privilege.
We wish you all a great Thanksgiving Day. May you all know that we miss you and will see you in just a little over a week.
I know you're praying for Ben as he brings the Word this Sunday.
I have so much to share with you but I've been a little sick with a cold these past two days and I'm ready to go to bed. Griselle and I thank you so much for your prayers and thoughts. This really has been a special time for us.
The Victory With Jesus Sunday was a blast for me and I felt real freedom in sharing. I look forward to seeing these folks again if I have the privilege.
We wish you all a great Thanksgiving Day. May you all know that we miss you and will see you in just a little over a week.
I know you're praying for Ben as he brings the Word this Sunday.
Thursday, November 15, 2012
WILL YOU PRAY WITH ME FOR VICTORY WITH JESUS MINISTRIES?
I am amazed at how many of you are stopping by this site and checking in with me. I had no idea that this would happen. Thanks goes to Jon Duey who set this thing up (on a last minute deal) and who gave me some key insights about what is necessary for a "visited" blogsight. He's been doing this for quite a while (jonduey.blogspot.com). Well, the reason I'm writing this is because there have been over 3,000 visits. Because of that I'm asking all of you to join with me in praying for a small group of brothers and sisters in Christ. They belong to a group called "Victory With Jesus Ministries" (www.victorywithjesus.com). Their pastor is John Leonard. Man, is he a trip! I mean totally out of the box. I've never met anyone who (I feel) loves Jesus more. When he speaks ...people "get it". This goes with the truth when Jesus reminded the Pharisee ..."Those who have been forgiven more ... love more. Some of you may think I'm transparent ...you ain't seen nothin. I've been with this group the past three Sundays. I've met with John, Cindy, Peggy, Paul, Debbie, Bill, Deb, Michael and Lonnie. There's a few more but I can't remember their names. Will you lift these fellow brothers and sisters in Christ up in your prayers? These are fellow strugglers along this rocky road of life. Will you also thank God for the kind lady who opens up her bar and grill to this group every Sunday?
I have the privilege to speak to these guys this coming Sunday. This kind of meeting is where I'm most at home and free to speak about the underbelly of the struggles in the Christian life. I have come to love these guys and feel God can use my life's lessons to encourage them. Pray that I will totally depend on God to speak through me. Pray for Pastor John Leonard and his wife Cindy who are going through the struggles of caring for an aging parent who requires constant diligence. Pray that God will meet the financial needs of this unique ministry just as we pray that God will meet our needs there at ICC.
Maybe, right now, you could pray for just a minute. Thanks everyone.
I am really pumped for our Christmas series: Christmas With Grace. I'll talk to that later.
I have the privilege to speak to these guys this coming Sunday. This kind of meeting is where I'm most at home and free to speak about the underbelly of the struggles in the Christian life. I have come to love these guys and feel God can use my life's lessons to encourage them. Pray that I will totally depend on God to speak through me. Pray for Pastor John Leonard and his wife Cindy who are going through the struggles of caring for an aging parent who requires constant diligence. Pray that God will meet the financial needs of this unique ministry just as we pray that God will meet our needs there at ICC.
Maybe, right now, you could pray for just a minute. Thanks everyone.
I am really pumped for our Christmas series: Christmas With Grace. I'll talk to that later.
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Just A Thought About Diligence vs Vigilance
As I was going over my scripture for my Iron Man's group (I meet with them via telephone onWednesdays) I feel blessed by some fresh insights on my verse. Proverbs 4:23 "Keep your heart with all vigilance for from it flow the springs of life."
Is it more difficult for me to be faithful to this admonition these past several weeks of being alone, or when I'm in the midst of my life there in Indianola, IA?
My first thought was that being alone without any structured accountability would be more difficult. I've rethought this and have come to just the opposite conclusion. Being alone feels different and calls for a different response to life. I have been more "vigilant" here than when I'm at home. Why is that? I thought about that word "vigilance" and, for some reason, always read it as diligence. I believe there is a big difference. I'm diligent about important things but I'm vigilant about vital, essential things. I can be diligently reading the Word but not vigilant in applying it to my life. Vigilance implies being watchful because of something very important.
The command is to "keep your heart with all vigilence". I have a responsibility to protect my own heart. I knew this coming here and have been vigilant in doing so because I realize I am in a different setting. I came here to be quiet and listen. That's what I've done (for the most part). The Enemy has not been able to get at me precisely because I have been vigilant in keeping my heart.
So, my prayer and petition to God is to help me understand this in the very midst of busyness. Being alone with God is a practice that Jesus maintained in His busy, demanding, draining life while He was here. He got up early and went to a place of solitude to pray and Jesus had no sin issues.
Solitude, prayer and vigilance in the midst of crowded, distracted diligent ministry. That's what is necessary. That's how I can "keep [my] heart with all vigilance. What do I need to rearrange in my life to assure my vigilance?
Is it more difficult for me to be faithful to this admonition these past several weeks of being alone, or when I'm in the midst of my life there in Indianola, IA?
My first thought was that being alone without any structured accountability would be more difficult. I've rethought this and have come to just the opposite conclusion. Being alone feels different and calls for a different response to life. I have been more "vigilant" here than when I'm at home. Why is that? I thought about that word "vigilance" and, for some reason, always read it as diligence. I believe there is a big difference. I'm diligent about important things but I'm vigilant about vital, essential things. I can be diligently reading the Word but not vigilant in applying it to my life. Vigilance implies being watchful because of something very important.
The command is to "keep your heart with all vigilence". I have a responsibility to protect my own heart. I knew this coming here and have been vigilant in doing so because I realize I am in a different setting. I came here to be quiet and listen. That's what I've done (for the most part). The Enemy has not been able to get at me precisely because I have been vigilant in keeping my heart.
So, my prayer and petition to God is to help me understand this in the very midst of busyness. Being alone with God is a practice that Jesus maintained in His busy, demanding, draining life while He was here. He got up early and went to a place of solitude to pray and Jesus had no sin issues.
Solitude, prayer and vigilance in the midst of crowded, distracted diligent ministry. That's what is necessary. That's how I can "keep [my] heart with all vigilance. What do I need to rearrange in my life to assure my vigilance?
Saturday, November 10, 2012
Just Some Reflections
I'm thinking about coming back home to Indianola (okay ...Milo!) IA. I'm thinking about the stark contrasts in some areas of life. I've met very few people who are native Floridians. Interestingly enough I met a young man in his early 20's from Iowa who moved here about a year ago. We spent an hour talking about the wonders of Iowa and small town life. It was obvious that he missed home but he is chasing a dream ...still no job here though. I met another young couple (late 20's) who left Wisconsin looking for the dream here and they talked about their home in Wisconsin and their family they are so looking forward to seeing when they drive back for Christmas. What I reflected upon was how insignificant, just about anything is, without the people we love to share it with.
I've reflected upon being alone and fasting. If not for a specific call from God to pursue this, I'd be a blathering idiot by now. You ought to hear some of the conversations going on in my head sometimes! "Oh, isn't this a good sandwich? The ham is perfectly smoked and that swiss cheese! Isn't it wonderful?" Who the heck am I talking to? I know, that's not "fasting" talk but you get the picture of me being alone. Fasting is another whole wierd subject for me because I'm wired for wierd. I can go for two or three days without eating a single thing without a problem but let me miss a meal or a second helping and I'm miserable. I mean, I eat a great big ol bowl of something just to see if I like it! Let me put it another way ...I know fasting is good but I'm not good at fasting. If I'm too transparent for some of you ...sorry. I'm trying to be real.
I have been hearing from God in some awesome and transforming ways. I've been hearing about my lack of confidence in a few areas (preaching being one) that He is giving me back the faith and confidence that I now realized I had lost. God has also been revealing to me what He is most pleased with about my life and ministry. I'm finally realizing that God not only loves me (I knew that) but God also likes me. He's shown me that He has enjoyed ME HANGING OUT WITH HIM. Now ...how to keep that going and increasing when life and ministry comes crashing down in a few weeks? That's the question I'm talking to HIM about now.
I've reflected upon being alone and fasting. If not for a specific call from God to pursue this, I'd be a blathering idiot by now. You ought to hear some of the conversations going on in my head sometimes! "Oh, isn't this a good sandwich? The ham is perfectly smoked and that swiss cheese! Isn't it wonderful?" Who the heck am I talking to? I know, that's not "fasting" talk but you get the picture of me being alone. Fasting is another whole wierd subject for me because I'm wired for wierd. I can go for two or three days without eating a single thing without a problem but let me miss a meal or a second helping and I'm miserable. I mean, I eat a great big ol bowl of something just to see if I like it! Let me put it another way ...I know fasting is good but I'm not good at fasting. If I'm too transparent for some of you ...sorry. I'm trying to be real.
I have been hearing from God in some awesome and transforming ways. I've been hearing about my lack of confidence in a few areas (preaching being one) that He is giving me back the faith and confidence that I now realized I had lost. God has also been revealing to me what He is most pleased with about my life and ministry. I'm finally realizing that God not only loves me (I knew that) but God also likes me. He's shown me that He has enjoyed ME HANGING OUT WITH HIM. Now ...how to keep that going and increasing when life and ministry comes crashing down in a few weeks? That's the question I'm talking to HIM about now.
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Post-Election Thoughts from the 1800's
So, my son and I were talking this morning about the results of the election yesterday. He picked up the guitar and sang and played the following words from a old hymn of the faith. It ministered to me ...maybe it will speak to your heart also.
1. My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus' blood and righteousness;
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly lean on Jesus' name.
On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand.
2. When darkness veils His lovely face,
I rest on His unchanging grace;
In every high and stormy gale
My anchor holds within the veil.
On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand.
3. His oath, His covenant, and blood
Support me in the whelming flood;
When every earthly prop gives way,
He then is all my Hope and Stay.
On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand.
4. When He shall come with trumpet sound,
Oh, may I then in Him be found,
Clothed in His righteousness alone,
Faultless to stand before the throne!
On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand.
1. My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus' blood and righteousness;
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly lean on Jesus' name.
On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand.
2. When darkness veils His lovely face,
I rest on His unchanging grace;
In every high and stormy gale
My anchor holds within the veil.
On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand.
3. His oath, His covenant, and blood
Support me in the whelming flood;
When every earthly prop gives way,
He then is all my Hope and Stay.
On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand.
4. When He shall come with trumpet sound,
Oh, may I then in Him be found,
Clothed in His righteousness alone,
Faultless to stand before the throne!
On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand.
Friday, November 2, 2012
IROM MEN IN GEORGIA ...GOING STRONG
I got back from Waycross, GA yesterday after spending 2 days with my son and his family. What a blessing. This was a real joy for me and my 3 grandchildren. The time there ended too quickly.
I was asked to meet with the Iron Men from my son's church Wednesday at 6 a.m.. They needed some encouragement but it was me that was encouraged. Destination Church now has about 30 Iron Men and they are on fire for the Lord. I spent the entire hour pouring my cup into their's. I'm telling you, these guys are the real deal.
It is interesting to me how Johnny finally gave Iron Men a chance about a year ago. My son is a true servant and has always enjoyed mentoring men, one-on-one. He finally reached a point that he was frustrated as there were too many guys and too few of him. SO ... I asked him to try meeting with 4 or 5 guys at the same time. I poured out the simple plan and he went with it. Now there are 5 or 6 groups and they keep on growing.
Mike McClintock, our Elder Board chairman made about a dozen Iron Men leather bracelets and shipped them to Johnny. The guys love them and wear them with pride.
I guess some of you heard about Griselle hitting the deer that totaled her car. Praise God she was not hurt and, just a few month ago I added some collision insurance on that old Pathfinder. I'm really looking forward to seeing her this Thursday.
I may be speaking at a small gathering of recovering Christians ... mostly bikers ...on Nov. 11. That will be another blessing for me. Your prayers, as always, are appreciated.
I was asked to meet with the Iron Men from my son's church Wednesday at 6 a.m.. They needed some encouragement but it was me that was encouraged. Destination Church now has about 30 Iron Men and they are on fire for the Lord. I spent the entire hour pouring my cup into their's. I'm telling you, these guys are the real deal.
It is interesting to me how Johnny finally gave Iron Men a chance about a year ago. My son is a true servant and has always enjoyed mentoring men, one-on-one. He finally reached a point that he was frustrated as there were too many guys and too few of him. SO ... I asked him to try meeting with 4 or 5 guys at the same time. I poured out the simple plan and he went with it. Now there are 5 or 6 groups and they keep on growing.
Mike McClintock, our Elder Board chairman made about a dozen Iron Men leather bracelets and shipped them to Johnny. The guys love them and wear them with pride.
I guess some of you heard about Griselle hitting the deer that totaled her car. Praise God she was not hurt and, just a few month ago I added some collision insurance on that old Pathfinder. I'm really looking forward to seeing her this Thursday.
I may be speaking at a small gathering of recovering Christians ... mostly bikers ...on Nov. 11. That will be another blessing for me. Your prayers, as always, are appreciated.
Monday, October 29, 2012
It Was 41 Years Ago
I was 19 and working in Venice, FL when I first met Bill. He was a couple of years younger than me but we connected as friends right away. It was not built upon Christ but it worked. Bill was a quiet guy, I mean really tight-lipped. We later became really close friends ...maybe even "best friends" and I still didn't know Bill that much but I knew him better then than anyone else. We did the things that guys our age did back then and it wasn't going to church! We fished, scuba dived and ...I'll quit right there. Quite a few people thought we were brothers as we both had reddish hair and with very fair complexion. I taught Bill all I knew about the funeral business. He caught on quickly and soon surpassed me in his ability with the technical part of embalming. He was a perfectionist ...still is I think.
I went off to embalming college and Bill his college when I was just about through and so me didn't connect much at all. I got married and Bill was still single. He worked 60 plus hours a week at a funeral home and so did I. We really lost touch but I knew where he was and life went on.
Those of you who know my story remember about what happened on my fifth year of marriage. God wrecked me and began to heal me. My life of hypocrisy was exposed and it almost cost my family and me our relationship. God intervened in a miriculous way and I moved from Miami to a few miles from where I am right now. I ended up working for the same funeral home as my old buddy Bill. Only now I was on a different trajectory and Bill was not. I could not do the things we once did together but our friendship remained strong and even grew. One night, around midnight, Bill and I were embalming a body ...just like we did six or seven years earlier when we were young and fancy free. As we embalmed this guy, I asked Bill something like, "If this was you that somebody was embalming, where would you be? This guy's not here ...it's just his body. Where would you be right now Bill if this was you?" He did not like the question and walked out of the room with a few words that were not so good. About a week later he told me he had a dream that I called him up one night and said that the Lord was coming back. He said everything was chaotic in his dream but he finally decided to go out and join the crowd that was walking toward a bright light but then suddenly it turned dark and he realized he had been left behind. When he woke up he said he kneeled beside his bed and asked Jesus to forgive him and come into his life. That was 32 years ago.
Guess who I went to church with on Saturday night and then again on Sunday morning (two differeent churches)? That's right Bill and his wife of 30 some years. What a great blessing for us to spend some time together.
Bill is still in the funeral industry, has two grown daughters, has a beautiful Harley Duece and rides with a group at his church who have turned riders into a fellowship group. He's got a stud in his left ear and he loves Jesus and working in Celebrate Recovery ministries.
I went off to embalming college and Bill his college when I was just about through and so me didn't connect much at all. I got married and Bill was still single. He worked 60 plus hours a week at a funeral home and so did I. We really lost touch but I knew where he was and life went on.
Those of you who know my story remember about what happened on my fifth year of marriage. God wrecked me and began to heal me. My life of hypocrisy was exposed and it almost cost my family and me our relationship. God intervened in a miriculous way and I moved from Miami to a few miles from where I am right now. I ended up working for the same funeral home as my old buddy Bill. Only now I was on a different trajectory and Bill was not. I could not do the things we once did together but our friendship remained strong and even grew. One night, around midnight, Bill and I were embalming a body ...just like we did six or seven years earlier when we were young and fancy free. As we embalmed this guy, I asked Bill something like, "If this was you that somebody was embalming, where would you be? This guy's not here ...it's just his body. Where would you be right now Bill if this was you?" He did not like the question and walked out of the room with a few words that were not so good. About a week later he told me he had a dream that I called him up one night and said that the Lord was coming back. He said everything was chaotic in his dream but he finally decided to go out and join the crowd that was walking toward a bright light but then suddenly it turned dark and he realized he had been left behind. When he woke up he said he kneeled beside his bed and asked Jesus to forgive him and come into his life. That was 32 years ago.
Guess who I went to church with on Saturday night and then again on Sunday morning (two differeent churches)? That's right Bill and his wife of 30 some years. What a great blessing for us to spend some time together.
Bill is still in the funeral industry, has two grown daughters, has a beautiful Harley Duece and rides with a group at his church who have turned riders into a fellowship group. He's got a stud in his left ear and he loves Jesus and working in Celebrate Recovery ministries.
Saturday, October 27, 2012
"Be Still" a Tough Commitment to Follow Through On
Be still , and know that I am God ... (Psalm 46:10a)
No unexpeceted interuptions, no TV, no hard schedules, no radio and nobody around and I spent two hours sitting on a couch trying to understand this ( admonishment? command? instruction?) portion of a verse. In my "unstillness" I wanted to get on my computer for a Bible study on this and yet I sensed the Holy Spirit say, "No ... be still". And so I remained on the couch. I began to watch the wind blowing the coconut palms and as a palm frond blew off, I began to wonder if any coconuts had fallen off last night. As I started to get up to check, I sensed the Holy Spirit say, "No ... be still". And so I remained on the couch. I thought about what I was going to have for breakfast and heard that still small voice saying, "Be still". I thought ...so that's part of what fasting is about, being still, especially being still in my mind. I can't believe how much I can think about food! Then I began to think about my trip to Waycross next week and what I wanted to share with the Iron Men and I clearly heard again, "No ... don't think about that. Be still." I found the little scabs on my head that I cannot leave alone in my continuous nervousness and realized how difficult it is, even sitting on the couch with everything in place, how difficult it is for me to "be still". I was beginning to feel like this is lost cause. What's this all about?
Enter God ... finally! I began to reflect on my 70's experiences with TM (transcendental meditation) ... not calling up spirits or anything too weird, but what TM taught about centering, getting all thoughts out of your mind. I remembered how you neeeded to pick out a personal mantra, ("Ohmmm ..." was as personal as I got.) a word that would help you focus yourself so that when all the random thoughts came through your mind you could just let them pass through and keep going with your mantra. I also remembered the visualizing techniques of seeing yourself as a stone slowly sinking into the depths of the oceans and watching the surface light become more and more dim until it was darkness. Peace and centering was supposed to occur but I usually fell asleep or was overcome with an irresitable urge to smoke a cigarette and forgot the whole thing. It did relax me but my life didn't change for the better, I didn't care more about humanity, my neighbor or my nasty habits, and I felt no peace ...just a little closer to the Beatles when I heard some of their zitar songs during their foray into eastern mysticism. I'm sure John, Paul, Ringo and George appreciated my "openness".
However, I think meditating on God and TM has some parallels. One: It takes some discipline to stop and do somethings that is aimed as minimizing distractions ("When you pray go into your closet and shut the door and pray to your Father who sees what's done in secret ..."Mt. 6:6). Two: The need to focus is there, "know that I am God". The huge differences between TM and meditating on God is that the purpose in focusing on God is not to empty your mind but to fill it with what God wants to fill it with. We aren't trying to reach "nervana" (the great nothingness on the wheel of life) but intimacy and understanding with our Creator God ...and when that happens it's certainly not darkness but the light of God's countenance shinning upon us.
When I get back to real life I realize that I need to focus on some disciplines in my life that have been anemic. That's what I learned this morning by attempting to "Be still and know that God is God". There need to be times when I turn off the phone, the TV, the radio, my appetite, my ministry schedule and deadlines, my hobbies ...my many distractions, so I can hear from God clearly, as I simply reflect on who God is ...He is God. He is the God of my life and He is full of grace and truth.
Two hours and a wonderful revelation from God was specially delivered to me. Okay God, that's one thing. Help me hear some more because that's why I'm here.
No unexpeceted interuptions, no TV, no hard schedules, no radio and nobody around and I spent two hours sitting on a couch trying to understand this ( admonishment? command? instruction?) portion of a verse. In my "unstillness" I wanted to get on my computer for a Bible study on this and yet I sensed the Holy Spirit say, "No ... be still". And so I remained on the couch. I began to watch the wind blowing the coconut palms and as a palm frond blew off, I began to wonder if any coconuts had fallen off last night. As I started to get up to check, I sensed the Holy Spirit say, "No ... be still". And so I remained on the couch. I thought about what I was going to have for breakfast and heard that still small voice saying, "Be still". I thought ...so that's part of what fasting is about, being still, especially being still in my mind. I can't believe how much I can think about food! Then I began to think about my trip to Waycross next week and what I wanted to share with the Iron Men and I clearly heard again, "No ... don't think about that. Be still." I found the little scabs on my head that I cannot leave alone in my continuous nervousness and realized how difficult it is, even sitting on the couch with everything in place, how difficult it is for me to "be still". I was beginning to feel like this is lost cause. What's this all about?
Enter God ... finally! I began to reflect on my 70's experiences with TM (transcendental meditation) ... not calling up spirits or anything too weird, but what TM taught about centering, getting all thoughts out of your mind. I remembered how you neeeded to pick out a personal mantra, ("Ohmmm ..." was as personal as I got.) a word that would help you focus yourself so that when all the random thoughts came through your mind you could just let them pass through and keep going with your mantra. I also remembered the visualizing techniques of seeing yourself as a stone slowly sinking into the depths of the oceans and watching the surface light become more and more dim until it was darkness. Peace and centering was supposed to occur but I usually fell asleep or was overcome with an irresitable urge to smoke a cigarette and forgot the whole thing. It did relax me but my life didn't change for the better, I didn't care more about humanity, my neighbor or my nasty habits, and I felt no peace ...just a little closer to the Beatles when I heard some of their zitar songs during their foray into eastern mysticism. I'm sure John, Paul, Ringo and George appreciated my "openness".
However, I think meditating on God and TM has some parallels. One: It takes some discipline to stop and do somethings that is aimed as minimizing distractions ("When you pray go into your closet and shut the door and pray to your Father who sees what's done in secret ..."Mt. 6:6). Two: The need to focus is there, "know that I am God". The huge differences between TM and meditating on God is that the purpose in focusing on God is not to empty your mind but to fill it with what God wants to fill it with. We aren't trying to reach "nervana" (the great nothingness on the wheel of life) but intimacy and understanding with our Creator God ...and when that happens it's certainly not darkness but the light of God's countenance shinning upon us.
When I get back to real life I realize that I need to focus on some disciplines in my life that have been anemic. That's what I learned this morning by attempting to "Be still and know that God is God". There need to be times when I turn off the phone, the TV, the radio, my appetite, my ministry schedule and deadlines, my hobbies ...my many distractions, so I can hear from God clearly, as I simply reflect on who God is ...He is God. He is the God of my life and He is full of grace and truth.
Two hours and a wonderful revelation from God was specially delivered to me. Okay God, that's one thing. Help me hear some more because that's why I'm here.
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
I GOT WHAT I PRAYED FOR - SOLITUDE
I finally figured it out ...why I'm getting the cold shoulder from the folks around here. I prayed for solitude with as little distractions as possible and that's exactly what I got. Very few people are here and the ones who are ...well you know.
I was thinking, what if everybody was social and friendly and wanted to lay around and shoot the breeze? I would have simply had a private vacation, having fun, fishing, etc... That's not why I'm here and God powerfully reminded me of this last night. So, instead of friendly diversions I have been able to be alone and listen. I've been reading Andy Stanley's new book, "Deep and Wide" and is it ever a timely read. Most of our staff happens to be reading it also. Through that book God has confirmed many positive things going on at ICC and has challenged me to think again "outside the box". For any of you readers out there, get this book and share it when you're done. You will be glad you did.
I have been able to think about some new message series without the stress of deadlines. I have also been able to focus on our Christmas series "Christmas with Grace". It is thrilling me to think how God will use this series. PLEASE START INVITING YOUR UNCHURCHED FRIENDS. I assure you they will be blessed. I read through Ecclesiastes in one sitting yesterday. It was perfect timing for the way I felt.
I'm heading to Waycross, GA next Tuesday and Wednesday to speak with the Iron Men at my son's church. They have about 20-30 committed men who need some motivation to stick with it. This is my sweet spot and I am looking so forward to helping these guys. As a bonus I will be able to attend a play that my grandson Andrew and grandaughter Destiny are involved with.
Sorry for the pity party from my last post but I promised to be real ... and I'm trying.
I was thinking, what if everybody was social and friendly and wanted to lay around and shoot the breeze? I would have simply had a private vacation, having fun, fishing, etc... That's not why I'm here and God powerfully reminded me of this last night. So, instead of friendly diversions I have been able to be alone and listen. I've been reading Andy Stanley's new book, "Deep and Wide" and is it ever a timely read. Most of our staff happens to be reading it also. Through that book God has confirmed many positive things going on at ICC and has challenged me to think again "outside the box". For any of you readers out there, get this book and share it when you're done. You will be glad you did.
I have been able to think about some new message series without the stress of deadlines. I have also been able to focus on our Christmas series "Christmas with Grace". It is thrilling me to think how God will use this series. PLEASE START INVITING YOUR UNCHURCHED FRIENDS. I assure you they will be blessed. I read through Ecclesiastes in one sitting yesterday. It was perfect timing for the way I felt.
I'm heading to Waycross, GA next Tuesday and Wednesday to speak with the Iron Men at my son's church. They have about 20-30 committed men who need some motivation to stick with it. This is my sweet spot and I am looking so forward to helping these guys. As a bonus I will be able to attend a play that my grandson Andrew and grandaughter Destiny are involved with.
Sorry for the pity party from my last post but I promised to be real ... and I'm trying.
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
LOOKS LIKE PARADISE --DOESN'T FEEL LIKE IT
I'll say it right up front --I'm lonely. Intensely lonely. My minimal relief from this is "Words with Friends". (Ask soembody with a smart phone what this is ...scrabble) Thanks Griselle and Mike Coffman and Jon Duey and whoever that random opponent is out there in cyber space who's playing with me. Just to know I have contact in this impersonal way seems very important. How weird is that?
Being "alone" and being "lonely" are world's apart. The few residents here are tight-lipped and distant. I'm a strangerinvading their space. I tried to start a simple conversation with the retired man a few doors down and it was like talking to one of the coconuts out in the yard ...nothing. What good is "paradise" if you can't share it with others?
I walk 6 miles a day in 85 degree weather with a gentle western breeze coming off the Gulf of Mexico ... perfect! I can get up whenever I want but my Iowa schedule will not relinquish its hold on me...5:30 am I'm up and facing another day of being "alone". I'm glad Griselle remembered to pack the Tylenol PM so I can get to sleep by 10 pm. This "paradise" is not what I expected. I still don't know what is supposed to happen in me but I know I eventually will ...in God's timing.
How people without Jesus Christ and His church body make it through the day ... I'll never know. I miss my wife and all my friends. I miss my Iron Men, the elders, our staff, the Sunday morning gaterhing.
Thanks for checking in with me. Thanks to those of you who have left comments. I would like to respond but I don't know if my replies will be published. When I find out how I can respond to you in private, I will. For now just know that I thank you for your correspondence.
Being "alone" and being "lonely" are world's apart. The few residents here are tight-lipped and distant. I'm a strangerinvading their space. I tried to start a simple conversation with the retired man a few doors down and it was like talking to one of the coconuts out in the yard ...nothing. What good is "paradise" if you can't share it with others?
I walk 6 miles a day in 85 degree weather with a gentle western breeze coming off the Gulf of Mexico ... perfect! I can get up whenever I want but my Iowa schedule will not relinquish its hold on me...5:30 am I'm up and facing another day of being "alone". I'm glad Griselle remembered to pack the Tylenol PM so I can get to sleep by 10 pm. This "paradise" is not what I expected. I still don't know what is supposed to happen in me but I know I eventually will ...in God's timing.
How people without Jesus Christ and His church body make it through the day ... I'll never know. I miss my wife and all my friends. I miss my Iron Men, the elders, our staff, the Sunday morning gaterhing.
Thanks for checking in with me. Thanks to those of you who have left comments. I would like to respond but I don't know if my replies will be published. When I find out how I can respond to you in private, I will. For now just know that I thank you for your correspondence.
Sunday, October 21, 2012
PINE ISLAND, FL -- WHERE I WAS "CALLED"
Blue Crab Key Condominiums, Pine, Island FL is known as a fisherman's paradise. I didn't even bring my fishing tackle ... just as fishin rod that I haven't put together yet. I looked at the little half acre of land that Griselle and I was about to purchase for the Mitcham Funeral Home. A bank is on that property ...still no funeral home on the island.
I'm about 15 miles from the place on US 41 when God stopped the Mitcham Funeral Home and directed my life from burying the dead to bringing people to life from the dead through the preaching and teaching of the Good News. It happened like this: I was driving home from Cape Coral to Punta Gorda (25 miles) thinking about a "ship out". It was about 8 pm. A northern "snowbird" had died and I was thinking about all that needed to be done in the morning: burial permit, death certificate, obituary notice, shipping container and flight arragements, etc..., when out of a live broadcasted Wednesday night prayer meeting, Pastor Bill Love in his North Carlolina draw, on WSOR FM said, "I usually don't do this on Wednesday night but I feel led to say something. God is telling somebody out there in radio land to do something. I don't know what that is ... but buddy, you just better do it". At that instant, all I could hear broadcasting from within my mind was "You are going to be a pastor". I laughed out loud and nearly wrecked the car. I had to pull over and for about half an hour God impressed me to forget about the life I had planned and to get ready for a whole new adventure. 6 months later our family moved to Bolivar, MO so that I could begin my training. That was 33 years ago and I have never looked back. It's strange that I ended up here for another, intensely personal, meeting with the God who called me. I did not plan to be here for any other reason than economics. It was the best deal for the dollar along FL's gulf coast. Only as I signed the contract for my stay did I reflect on, "This is where it all began". What's up with all this?
I'm about 15 miles from the place on US 41 when God stopped the Mitcham Funeral Home and directed my life from burying the dead to bringing people to life from the dead through the preaching and teaching of the Good News. It happened like this: I was driving home from Cape Coral to Punta Gorda (25 miles) thinking about a "ship out". It was about 8 pm. A northern "snowbird" had died and I was thinking about all that needed to be done in the morning: burial permit, death certificate, obituary notice, shipping container and flight arragements, etc..., when out of a live broadcasted Wednesday night prayer meeting, Pastor Bill Love in his North Carlolina draw, on WSOR FM said, "I usually don't do this on Wednesday night but I feel led to say something. God is telling somebody out there in radio land to do something. I don't know what that is ... but buddy, you just better do it". At that instant, all I could hear broadcasting from within my mind was "You are going to be a pastor". I laughed out loud and nearly wrecked the car. I had to pull over and for about half an hour God impressed me to forget about the life I had planned and to get ready for a whole new adventure. 6 months later our family moved to Bolivar, MO so that I could begin my training. That was 33 years ago and I have never looked back. It's strange that I ended up here for another, intensely personal, meeting with the God who called me. I did not plan to be here for any other reason than economics. It was the best deal for the dollar along FL's gulf coast. Only as I signed the contract for my stay did I reflect on, "This is where it all began". What's up with all this?
Friday, October 19, 2012
God Showed up In Birmingham, AL
As I was driving through Birmingham, I reflected on my father and his early life here in the deep south. My father, Jake was born into a violent, alcoholic and racist family. My grandparents, whom I never met, were involved in the KKK. I was in a strange mood as I pulled into the Shell station for fuel.
There was a black gentleman, about my age with the hood up on his older model Chevy SUV. He came over and asked if he could call his family on my cell phone. As I asked him what happened and if I could help, he introduced himself as Pastor Pritchard (something or other). I told him I was a pastor too and he immediately said, "Yes, and you were in the military during Viet Nam". Since I was wearing a long sleeve shirt and he could not see the scar where my removed tatoo was, I asked, "How do you know that?" He simply said "The Lord told me" as he told me about his two tours as a marine in Viet Nam.
He was travelling around preaching in small rural churches and his SUV had been stolen and recovered with all of his belongings taken ...inlcuding his brief case, wallet and cell phone. He was going to call his wife and have her drive about 3 hours to rescue him. He was out of gas and out of money but ... he was not out of hope. When I asked him if I could fill up his car, he started preaching Jesus and jumping around, and hooting and hollering. "I've been praying for the blessing of Abraham and God sent it! Hallelujah!".
I told him my old story, of racism and violenece and alcoholism and how now, because of Jesus, all my family were believers (including my Dad) and that I even had a son in the mnistry in the deep south ...he really got happy and began to yell out praises to Jesus. He hugged me and jumped up and down and then stopped and held my face close to his, looked into my eyes and said, "I love you brother." I've never seen someone so happy and so fired up for God. We both left that place, with tears of joy.
That was my first full day on my Sabbatical. How about that?
There was a black gentleman, about my age with the hood up on his older model Chevy SUV. He came over and asked if he could call his family on my cell phone. As I asked him what happened and if I could help, he introduced himself as Pastor Pritchard (something or other). I told him I was a pastor too and he immediately said, "Yes, and you were in the military during Viet Nam". Since I was wearing a long sleeve shirt and he could not see the scar where my removed tatoo was, I asked, "How do you know that?" He simply said "The Lord told me" as he told me about his two tours as a marine in Viet Nam.
He was travelling around preaching in small rural churches and his SUV had been stolen and recovered with all of his belongings taken ...inlcuding his brief case, wallet and cell phone. He was going to call his wife and have her drive about 3 hours to rescue him. He was out of gas and out of money but ... he was not out of hope. When I asked him if I could fill up his car, he started preaching Jesus and jumping around, and hooting and hollering. "I've been praying for the blessing of Abraham and God sent it! Hallelujah!".
I told him my old story, of racism and violenece and alcoholism and how now, because of Jesus, all my family were believers (including my Dad) and that I even had a son in the mnistry in the deep south ...he really got happy and began to yell out praises to Jesus. He hugged me and jumped up and down and then stopped and held my face close to his, looked into my eyes and said, "I love you brother." I've never seen someone so happy and so fired up for God. We both left that place, with tears of joy.
That was my first full day on my Sabbatical. How about that?
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
"Be Stiil". You Can't Mean It.
Psalm 37:7 Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him.
My father was the most edgy and nervous man I've ever known. He bit his fingernails down to his elbows. When he was stone-cold sober he was constantly in motion. He could never relax and just chill. Little things irritated him, like too many sneezes or too much coughing. To say he was 'wound tight" was an understatement.
The people who know me the best say that I am a person in perpetual motion and that it seems I have a difficult time in relaxing. My resting heart rate is close to 80 which was the same as my dad. I have assumed that some of my physical traits are genetic. Does that give me a pass to minimize God's directive to "be still" and" wait patiently for Him"? I don't think so.
There you have it. My first assignment is to accept this a significant part of my Sabbatical. I can "be still" in short snippets of time but to know that this is what God is wanting me to pursue for an extended period of time ... this will be difficult. I will not have any legitimate excuses to be in "perpetual motion" like I have at home. My default mode (flesh) says, "You can't do that! You can't sit in an apartment without noise ... without talk radio, without music, without playing "Word with Friends. Who are you trying to kid?" So, I ask myself, "Have I set myself up for being down on myself before I even begin? Oh, I keep forgetting. The Sniper is on full alert. God must want to do something.
Thanks for your prayers that I will do all that I can for God to do what only He can.
My father was the most edgy and nervous man I've ever known. He bit his fingernails down to his elbows. When he was stone-cold sober he was constantly in motion. He could never relax and just chill. Little things irritated him, like too many sneezes or too much coughing. To say he was 'wound tight" was an understatement.
The people who know me the best say that I am a person in perpetual motion and that it seems I have a difficult time in relaxing. My resting heart rate is close to 80 which was the same as my dad. I have assumed that some of my physical traits are genetic. Does that give me a pass to minimize God's directive to "be still" and" wait patiently for Him"? I don't think so.
There you have it. My first assignment is to accept this a significant part of my Sabbatical. I can "be still" in short snippets of time but to know that this is what God is wanting me to pursue for an extended period of time ... this will be difficult. I will not have any legitimate excuses to be in "perpetual motion" like I have at home. My default mode (flesh) says, "You can't do that! You can't sit in an apartment without noise ... without talk radio, without music, without playing "Word with Friends. Who are you trying to kid?" So, I ask myself, "Have I set myself up for being down on myself before I even begin? Oh, I keep forgetting. The Sniper is on full alert. God must want to do something.
Thanks for your prayers that I will do all that I can for God to do what only He can.
Sunday, October 14, 2012
WHAT'S THE PLAN?
Six weeks! What will that look like? I've asked myself this question many times over the last few months. The overall schedule is simple.
1) Leave early Wed. (Oct. 16) drive to Bocillia, FL and arrive by Saturday, October 20.
2) Spend Oct. 20 -Nov. 4 alone (I'll share what that will look like a little later on).
3) My son John will join me on Nov. 5 -11.
4) Nov. 12-14 alone
5) Nov. 15, pick Griselle up in Tampa.
6) Nov. 19 Griselle and I leave for Waycross, GA for Thanksgiving with the Mitcham/Heideman family for 5 or six days.
7) Drive home and back in Church the first Sunday in December.
1) Leave early Wed. (Oct. 16) drive to Bocillia, FL and arrive by Saturday, October 20.
2) Spend Oct. 20 -Nov. 4 alone (I'll share what that will look like a little later on).
3) My son John will join me on Nov. 5 -11.
4) Nov. 12-14 alone
5) Nov. 15, pick Griselle up in Tampa.
6) Nov. 19 Griselle and I leave for Waycross, GA for Thanksgiving with the Mitcham/Heideman family for 5 or six days.
7) Drive home and back in Church the first Sunday in December.
Friday, September 21, 2012
Countdown to October 15, 2012
I'm getting ready to experience something I've not experienced in a long, long time ...being alone for an extended period of time. To be honest with myself, I'm freaking out as I think of what this will feel like after a few short days. Solitary confinement comes to mind and I am repelled by everything that stands for. This I know, God has been leading me to do this for many months now. I know He wants this because of my fear to actually go on this sabbatical. I've felt this way just one other time that I can recall and that was when I was asked to join a group of pastors on a trip to India. My initial reaction was fear and thoughts of "no way". I sensed that my reaction was not from God and therefore felt this is exactly what He wanted me to do. I am now looking forward to my 4th trip to a country and people I have come to love. This "sabbatical" thing has the same spiritual ring in my soul.
I am a person of distractions ... I need them ...I even seek them out because I am often fearful of solitude. A great part of my spiritual need is to confront that, and allow God to do whatever He wants in me. I'm scared, excited and generally out of sorts with myself and others. You talk about spiritual warfare ...I'm in it! This time away will be tough on my wife, a little uncomfortable for the church elders, a challenge for the staff (although I have no doubt that all will go well or I really could not force myself to even consider it) and a stretch for our church family.
I would appreciate your prayers for God's protection of all people concerned with my sabbatical. I would ask for you to pray for my wife. She will join me the last 10 days of my absence. Please pray that I will come back with a clearer understanding of who I am in Christ and what He wants from me as I serve ICC.
I am a person of distractions ... I need them ...I even seek them out because I am often fearful of solitude. A great part of my spiritual need is to confront that, and allow God to do whatever He wants in me. I'm scared, excited and generally out of sorts with myself and others. You talk about spiritual warfare ...I'm in it! This time away will be tough on my wife, a little uncomfortable for the church elders, a challenge for the staff (although I have no doubt that all will go well or I really could not force myself to even consider it) and a stretch for our church family.
I would appreciate your prayers for God's protection of all people concerned with my sabbatical. I would ask for you to pray for my wife. She will join me the last 10 days of my absence. Please pray that I will come back with a clearer understanding of who I am in Christ and what He wants from me as I serve ICC.
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